Chapter 16: Merit System

As the adrenaline of the battle subsided, Asher found his thoughts drifting towards the Demon Pavilion. "They're not just assassins, Your Majesty," he said. "Oh, looks like you got information to share Uncle." Ethan replied. 

His voice heavy with the weight of his thoughts, Asher began, "The Demon Pavilion is a force to be reckoned with. They're a syndicate of skilled fighters, trained in the art of stealth and death. They're like shadows, unseen until it's too late. And the most terrifying thing is their loyalty. They won't stop until they've completed their mission. The Demon pavilion has branches in almost every kingdom up till the 3rd tier kingdoms, I suspect they are a power equaling a 2nd tier kingdom in strength" Asher said gravely. 

Ethan's gaze was steady as he listened, concern etching fine lines around his eyes. "Who could have employed them?" he asked, his tone suggesting he already knew the answer. As there was only one force that they were enemies with -Blackthorn Kingdom. 

The Blackthorn Kingdom, a known adversary, had the resources and motive to employ such a formidable force. The thought sent a shiver down Asher's spine. "We need to tread carefully, Your Majesty," he cautioned. "The Blacktorn would have paid a significant price if they wanted to employ the assassins. And as they have not completed their mission, I am afraid we will not have peaceful days to come." 

A lengthy discussion ensued as they deliberated their next move. Their kingdom was still growing, and a war against the Blackthorn Kingdom could be disastrous. "We must first advance to a Tier 5 kingdom," Asher suggested. "Establishing knight orders will be crucial. The Ravens Shadows are needed to gather intelligence on the Blackthorn Kingdom." 

Ethan nodded in agreement; his gaze distant. "We can't afford to go to war without knowing the full extent of their power," he echoed, his voice firm. 

Their decision wasn't made lightly. It was borne out of a deep understanding of their kingdom's current state and the potential threat the Blackthorn Kingdom posed. It was a strategic move, one that would give them a fighting chance against their adversaries. 

The forest, once a battleground, now bore witness to their resolve. "We'll prepare for war, Asher," Ethan pledged, "but only after we've done everything, we can understand our enemy." 

The castle walls loomed ahead as Ethan and his companions made their way back, the night's events etched into their faces. As they entered, they dispersed, each one laden with tasks to prepare for the impending challenge. 

Ethan retreated to his quarters, his mind buzzing with the enormity of their task. "Tier 5 kingdom, huh," he muttered to himself, staring at the glowing status window he had summoned. He knew advancement wouldn't be a swift process, yet time was not a luxury they could afford. 

His eyes roamed through the virtual mall, a treasure trove of magical items and potential solutions. A flicker of hope ignited as he spotted an Apprentice Level Training Card. The card, infused with ancient magic, was designed to expedite the cultivation process of any apprentice knight. Without a second thought, he purchased it. 

His gaze then fell upon his remaining balance. "Money isn't an issue," he murmured, thinking to buy a better technique for Asher as he was already at the peak of apprentice level, and he wouldn't be able to advance without a higher tier technique. However, the startling price of the higher-grade Lightning Techniques made him wince, costing a staggering 10,000 gold. He chuckled ruefully, wiping away a tear. "Well, that's a dent in the treasury." 

After buying the new technique he started thinking about the upcoming war that they would face. Preparing for war wasn't just about strengthening their forces, he mused. Ethan knew the importance of morale. After some thought he could not help but be reminded of how the people in the olden days did it in his previous life. 

"A merit system," he mused aloud, a plan forming in his mind. Rewarding outstanding contributions would encourage initiative and boost morale among the ranks. Ethan was planning on establishing a merit system for the military, and when a soldier was able to perform an outstanding deed, he would be rewarded. 

'I'm a genius, aren't I?' a narcissistic thought flashed past him. 

Seeing the remaining gold, he went on a shopping spree. His next purchases were strategic. Top-level inferior-grade breathing techniques with various elements, priced at 15,000 gold. These would provide a foundation for their knights' cultivation. A myriad of potent herbs and elixirs followed, destined to quicken their training, and superior quality weapons for their arsenal. 

Looking at the number of products he could not help but smile satisfied. 'This amount would surely be able to last for a while.' 

After finalizing his plans Ethan was in no mood to cultivate and went to bed. 

< The Next Morning > 

As the first rays of dawn bathed the castle in a warm glow, Ethan, having finished his breakfast, summoned his top military brass to the throne room. Magnus attended the meeting as his vitality allowed him to recover faster than anyone else. 

Ethan, seeing as everyone was present, cleared his throat. "I've called you all here to discuss a new system I've devised," he began. "It's called the Merit System." He paused, allowing the words to sink in. 

Albeit confused by the new terms, which they never heard of, they did not interrupt or question him as they got used to his remarkable ability to come up with such ideas. 

The Merit System, as he explained, was designed to reward outstanding contributions to the kingdom, especially during times of war. Soldiers who distinguished themselves on the battlefield would be rewarded with special training cards, superior weapons, and rare elixirs for their efforts. This strategy would not only boost morale but also encourage individual initiative and foster a sense of competition. 

His words were met with stunned silence. The idea was bold, innovative, and unprecedented. One by one, the military officials exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and admiration. "His Majesty is always full of surprises," one of them murmured under his breath. 

Ethan then moved on to discuss the rewards. After discussing everything related to the rewards, Ethan shifted his attention to Asher. He noted how Asher had recently mastered his technique. Ethan began," Uncle since I came to be King, you have been the strongest combatant in my kingdom as well as my loyal commander, and as such I shall award you with another technique." As he finished his words, he threw the technique to Asher. 

His words caused Magnus and Rowan's eyes to shine with envy. Ethan caught their reactions, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Don't worry," he assured them. "You'll have your chance to acquire new techniques once we identify your most suitable elements and when you have reached the peak of apprentice realm." 

Hearing Ethans words Rowan and Magnuss eyes shone with determination. I must cultivate quickly and reach peak apprentice. 

He then turned his attention to Rowan, urging him to expedite the establishment of the Order. Rowan hesitated, expressing his concerns about the lack of preparation. Ethan, however, was firm. "We don't have the luxury of time," he said. "We must move quickly." 

Finally, Ethan addressed the importance of information gathering. "Knowledge is power," he stated, his gaze sweeping over the attentive faces. "We need to know our enemy, their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies, to have a fighting chance." 

As the council members left the throne room, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Ethan, left alone in the vast hall, felt a pang of satisfaction. He was preparing his kingdom for war, a daunting task indeed, but every small victory, every spark of hope, was a step towards their ultimate goal: survival.